Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Heather Powers has recently moved from being one of America's many independent Christian artists to an artist with a national (proper record company) release. 'Lay Them Down' ably demonstrates music that is at the intersection of jazz and pop and the results are packed with fine musicianship and some catchy acoustic tunes. This CD is understated with Heather's lyrics and sweet, sultry voice very much at the forefront of the album. She's been through some tough stuff having been sexually abused and then raped in her early teens. Turning her back on her Christian upbringing she partied hard, did drugs but nothing numbed the pain until Heather came back to her faith. Revitalised and transformed, her music portrays her journey with songs that reflect the pain and despondency she felt but they also contain the hope that she has now experienced. Outstanding tracks include the title cut with its smooth horn parts and the brittle piano ballad "Undone". "Say Goodbye" reminds me of "Anchorage" by Michelle Shocked. "Big Green Chair" was written whilst Heather was sitting (yes, you guessed it) in a big green chair mourning the loss of her teenage years. The results make for a finely crafted album and it's good to hear a singer/songwriter singing honest songs with such passion and vulnerability.

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